Laurie Hernandez, the celebrated Olympic gymnast, is set to make her Broadway debut in the hit musical ‘& Juliet’ on 17 March. This performance marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, just as she prepares to graduate from New York University with a degree in drama.
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Best known for her remarkable achievements with the “Final Five” gymnastics team during the 2016 Rio Olympics, Hernandez’s talents extend well beyond her athletic prowess. She recalls her early days, when dance played a prominent role in her upbringing. Growing up in a Puerto Rican household, Hernandez learned to dance salsa at family gatherings, nurturing her love for movement alongside her gymnastics training.
In a surprising twist to her career, Hernandez transitioned to the world of theatre after winning season 23 of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2016, shortly after her Olympic triumph. In ‘& Juliet’, she will portray Charmion, a character in a reimagined tale that explores the possibilities of Romeo and Juliet’s story had it diverged from its tragic end. The show features a vibrant soundtrack composed of Max Martin’s iconic pop hits, including “Since U Been Gone” and “Roar.”
Hernandez has expressed enthusiasm for the show’s uplifting narrative. “I love this idea of ‘What if we didn’t kill her off? What if she got to live out her teenage years?'” she said, highlighting the importance of the modern themes and queer representation woven throughout the production. “It’s a fantastic plot point that sets a great foundation for the show.”
For her audition, Hernandez showcased her musical talents by selecting “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo, an experience she described as nerve-wracking. “The most nerve-wracking part of the audition was being like, ‘Okay, here’s the sheet music,’” she recounted, expressing her anxiety about performing both dance and song. Her determination and skill evidently stood out, leading to her successful casting.
A self-proclaimed “theatre kid,” Hernandez’s path to Broadway comes following her decision to pursue her passion academically. Enrolling at NYU after taking time off from her education to focus on gymnastics, she dedicated herself to the study of drama, alongside a minor in creative writing. The completion of her final course in January was a significant moment for her, one that deeply moved her mother. “She was sobbing,” Hernandez recalled, sharing that her mother felt immense pride in her academic achievements.
Having recently returned from Milan, where she acted as an official content creator for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Hernandez quickly dived into rehearsal. She will be performing in ‘& Juliet’ until 14 June, a role she describes as a dream come true.
Despite the excitement surrounding her Broadway debut, Hernandez has had to make some sacrifices along the way. She has decided to forgo attending her own graduation ceremony in May, instead prioritising her role in the musical. “I was like, ‘Guys, I’m putting my foot down on this!’” she stated, emphasising her commitment to the performance.
As tickets for ‘& Juliet’ are now available, Hernandez’s transition from gymnastics prowess to acting and dancing illustrates her dynamic talent and relentless ambition. With her Broadway debut on the horizon, there’s no doubt that her journey continues to inspire many, both in the arts and athletics.